Gotham has been slowly bringing characters from Batman's universe onboard, focusing on villains throughout season 2. Now it looks like Batman's long-time love interest Vicki Vale is finally making her way to Gotham for the upcoming third season, and to the small screen for the very first time.

A recent edition of the TV Line's Ask Ausiello column revealed that the new reporter coming to Gotham in season three, named Valerie, is actually the Gotham version of legendary Batman love interest Vicki Vale. The news emerged back in May that Gotham was casting for an ambitious young reporter in her 20s for the third season of the series, along with two villain roles. If Valerie really is casting code for Vicki Vale, it creates an interesting paradox, since Bruce Wayne is significantly younger than her in the Gotham television universe. Then again, Gotham is no stranger to pathing its own way in the franchise, so this news isn't terribly surprising.

Vicki Vale first appeared in the Golden Age of comics, back in 1948's Batman #49. Bill Finger brought the character to life in her debut story, "Scoop of the Century". Vicki is always portrayed as a very attractive, strong and intelligent woman, even in the early days of the comics, where she would often suspect that Batman and Bruce Wayne were the same person. Over the years Vicki Vale would sometimes resurface in the comics, but it was her inclusion in the 1989 Batman feature film (played by Kim Basinger) that really brought the character mainstream attention. In the original Batman Returns script Vale was set to return, but Tim Burton nixed that idea in the end and instead it was revealed that Bruce and Vicki had broken up.

Vicki has also made numerous animated appearances, including Batman: Brave and the Bold, the Batman vs. Dracula direct-to-DVD movie and the DC animated movies Superman/Batman: Apocalypse and Batman: Year One. Recently, Vale has re-emerged in the comic books and finally learned Bruce's secret in Batman #703 (2010). Vicki also returned for the New 52, but we have yet to see if she will make an appearance for the new DC Comics Rebirth era.

There's no word yet on who will be cast as Vicki Vale in Gotham yet, but stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on season three casting!